The transmission type on a 2013 Honda Civic depends on the model and market. The Si uses a six-speed manual; most gasoline Civics (DX/LX/EX/EX-L) use either a manual or automatic transmission depending on trim; the Civic Hybrid uses a CVT. To be certain, check your owner’s manual, the driver’s door jamb sticker, or your vehicle identification number (VIN) with a Honda dealer.
In more detail, this article breaks down the common transmission options for the U.S.-market 2013 Civic lineup and provides tips to identify which one is in your car.
Transmission options by trim
The following overview reflects typical configurations for the 2013 Civic lineup. Regional variations can apply, so verify with a dealer if needed.
- Civic Si: 6-speed manual transmission (no automatic option).
- Civic gasoline models (DX, LX, EX, EX-L): typically offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, depending on trim; a CVT was not used in standard gas Civics in this model year.
- Civic Hybrid: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), specifically Honda’s e-CVT paired with the hybrid system.
To confirm your exact setup, refer to the owner’s manual, the driver-side door jamb sticker, or contact a Honda dealer with your VIN.
How to identify your transmission yourself
Use these quick checks to determine whether your Civic has a manual, automatic, or CVT transmission.
- Look at the gear selector. A traditional H-pattern shifter with a clutch pedal indicates a manual transmission (5- or 6-speed, depending on model). If the shifter shows P-R-N-D (and possibly S or +/- for sport modes) with no clutch pedal, it is an automatic or CVT.
- Note the presence or absence of a clutch pedal. A clutch pedal means a manual; no clutch pedal means automatic or CVT.
- Check for drive-mode indicators on the instrument cluster or shifter. CVTs often feature a D position with an S or +/- mode on certain trims, but configurations vary by year and trim.
- Consult the owner’s manual or window sticker for the exact transmission specification by trim; the VIN can be used at a Honda dealer to verify.
These steps help verify the transmission type without needing to remove panels or guess based on appearance.
Summary
The 2013 Honda Civic offered multiple transmissions depending on the model: Si uses a 6-speed manual; gas models (DX/LX/EX/EX-L) generally offered either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, while the Civic Hybrid uses a CVT (e-CVT). For certainty, check your manual, door sticker, or VIN with a dealer.
Which Honda Civics do not have a CVT transmission?
Honda: The Civic Type R, Honda Fit (with the manual option), Honda Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline and the Odyssey are not equipped with CVTs.
How do I tell if my Civic has a CVT transmission?
There are two ways to easily tell if a vehicle has a CVT transmission. The first is to look at the gear shift lever indicator. Most CVTs will have PRNDL on the indicator. They do not indicate a low gear with a number.
Does my 2013 Honda Civic have a CVT transmission?
As in the 2012, the 2013 model employs a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Civic Hybrid employs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor with a continuously variable automatic transmission for 110 hp total.
Is the 2013 Honda CVT?
The 2013 Honda Accord's standard and more powerful 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is now paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that replaces the conventional five-speed automatic. While many buyers can be apprehensive about a CVT, we found it to be a capable transmission.